Max Verstappen says racing on the Nordschleife in a GT3 automobile “positively doesn’t harm” with regards to sharpening his skillset, after his victory within the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie.
The defending System 1 champion adopted his win in Baku with a race weekend on the Nordschleife, profitable the endurance race in a Ferrari 296 GT3 that was operated by Emil Frey Racing and ran in a Verstappen.com Racing / Crimson Bull livery. Verstappen isn’t certain if there’s a direct profit to his F1 duties, however sees no draw back to racing different equipment.
“It was a number of enjoyable,” Verstappen mentioned. “We’ve been making ready for that for some time, and it was simply two very good days. Once more, racing a bit within the moist, within the dry, simply getting an increasing number of expertise was good. After which in fact to win it, that’s additional bonus.
“Does it make me a greater driver? I’ve been doing this already for therefore a few years on the simulator, so me doing it now in actual life just isn’t very totally different. Nevertheless it positively doesn’t harm, I believe I can say that.”
Verstappen gained’t compete once more on the Nordschleife this yr however says he’s fascinated by a return in 2026, with the 24-hour race additionally on his radar.
“It is dependent upon a number of issues, to be sincere,” he mentioned. “It is dependent upon F1, initially. I’m suspecting in fact that with the foundations subsequent yr, it’s going to be very difficult to begin with – some unknowns anyway – so it’s going to in all probability be slightly bit extra hectic than the tip of a regulation the place issues are extra easy.
“Additionally, this system of the GT3 crew, which automobile we’re going to race subsequent yr, stuff like that. Lots of issues have to come back collectively earlier than I can actually plan it nicely upfront for simply my drivers already within the crew, plus myself.
“For certain, we wish to be again there. I simply don’t know in the intervening time how a lot or what number of races I can do subsequent yr. But when there is a chance and I be ok with it, plus no matter is occurring in F1, then for certain.
“F1 in fact continues to be my primary objective. Yeah, it’s a number of races, but it surely’s additionally what I signed up for. For me, it’s not one thing that I’m unhappy about or disillusioned with. I additionally know that it’s not going to be perpetually, doing this.
“It’s ensuring that every little thing is well-run with the GT3 crew and so they’re up and operating. For me, it’s fairly simple if I wish to leap in and take part. I believe everyone knows 24 races is lots. I believe you miss out on another nice races, however on the identical time I’m very younger, so I can nonetheless atone for these sorts of races afterward.”
Verstappen’s exploits caught the attention of lots of his friends in F1, with George Russell saying many have been envious of the Dutchman’s freedom to race elsewhere.
“I believe it is unbelievable, to be sincere,” Russell mentioned. “I believe we’re all fairly jealous of it. As a result of having this freedom, of firstly doing what you’re keen on in System 1, however then additionally with the ability to exit and race different issues and simply get pleasure from it at your leisure – I don’t suppose it’s fairly that easy for different folks doing it.
“However you’ve that proper while you win 4 world championships. And we’re all right here combating to win our first. Possibly after 4 championships underneath our belts, we’ll be capable to select to do the identical. However no, respect it lots. And positively, I might like to do it at some point.”
Russell’s feedback have been echoed by Lando Norris, who says Verstappen’s success in a GT3 automobile highlights his expertise even additional.
“It is cool,” Norris mentioned. “It is good he can go and do what he desires. I believe after you win 4 world championships, you’ve a bit extra proper to only go and select what you wish to do. Everybody is aware of how a lot Max loves doing all these issues, and it is good that he goes to do one thing else that he enjoys.
“I do not understand how a lot it provides to your greatness, however the truth he can go into any collection and be in all probability one of the best, I believe does present how good he’s. I’ve mentioned it many occasions. I believe he is born to be, and can perpetually be, the most effective ever, if not one of the best in System 1. So I believe for anybody to have an opportunity of going up in opposition to him and beating him is fairly slim.
“Nevertheless it’s cool. I respect it. I believe it is a fantastic factor. If I might go and do it extra, perhaps I might. However I do not learn about my future nonetheless. I nonetheless see a time after I’ll simply wish to depart System 1 and go do different issues – go play golf and have some enjoyable elsewhere. However I respect lots what Max does, like I’ve all the time mentioned.
“I’ve not seen any of it, however I like the Nordschleife, so that’s in all probability one other place I might like to go and check out at one level.”
